Juicing can be intimidating; when words like centrifugal and oxidation are applied, we start to shy away.

We prefer to keep things simple and easy. Start with an affordable juicer and some fruit and vegetable—and a little peeling, chopping, and pouring later, you're done. Here, five pieces to get you started:

Above: The Bella 5-Speed Juicer in Stainless Steel is a more-than-basic juicer at a good price. An easy-read LED dial tells you which speed to use on which fruits and vegetables, and a wide feed tube means you can add many ingredients without pre-chopping; $99.99 on Amazon.

Above: Duralex Picardie Tumblers are a classic and durable French design that's perfect for juice (and wine, too); $23.95 for a set of six 8-3/4 ounce glasses on Amazon.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/holiday-gift-guide-juicing-essentialsMon, 23 Dec 2013 06:00:00 -0800Remodelista TeamKnown for being opinionated and picky, we architects are an intimidating bunch to buy presents for. But the truth is we're really not all that complicated—we just like things to be simple, well designed, and functional. Not too much of a tall order, right? Here are seven items any architect would be delighted to receive.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: The Lampe Gras 211 was designed by Bernard-Alpin Gras in 1921 for office and industrial use (originally with no screws or welded joints). Adopted by Le Corbusier as his go-to lamp, it soon became the quintessential architect's choice. A modern classic, it's been on my wish list for years. Constructed from steel, the similarLampe Gras 201 Clamp Lampis available in matte black or chrome from Design Within Reach; $400. In the UK, the Lampe Gras 211 itself is available in matt black as well four colors for £384 from Twenty Twenty One.

Above L: Every sketch an architect draws is filled with information—to make sure what we're drawing can be built, there's a lot behind those lines that you don't see. Tired of carrying around heavy reference books containing design and architectural standards, three architecture students from Columbia created A:LOG : A Notebook Designed for Architects. The first 30 pages contain reference information, such as door dimensions and egress codes, while the remaining 130 pages are scaled dot grids for producing sketches on the go. The trio Kickstarted the project in June and the A:LOG is now available for $25 in an Imperial Edition (in inches), and a Metric Edition. Above R: We like the book's living scenario sketches. Where else can you find the dimensions of a mackerel?

Above: At $1.99 per digital download, this DIY project will fit anyone's budget: Buy one or several 4 by 6-inch LettersArt photos—letters discovered in architectural details—and frame them yourself for a personalized present. The alphabet is available from LettersArt via Etsy for $1.99 per image.

Above: Vintage grain sacks get a bold second life: the Mondriaan nr3 Tote Bag, with red, yellow, and blue leather accents, is made by Etsy seller Rinarts in the Netherlands; $218.31.

Above: Etsy shop 2of2 makes small, precision-cut Birch Frame House structures that are available in virtually any color. Julie couldn't resist one, and we're guessing most architects won't be able to either; $37.50.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-architect-2013Mon, 16 Dec 2013 06:00:00 -0800Christine Chang HanwayTyler Brûlé, founder and editor-in-chief of Monocle, has made a career of whipping around the globe with sartorial elegance. Having just spent much of the last month getting on and off planes, I can attest that there is not much glamor left in domestic travel. There are, however, a few key items that can make travel infinitely more pleasurable. Here are five to please the design-savvy wanderer.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: Less is more when it comes to travel, beginning with the bag. I've had my eye on this one by Matt Singer for a while now: the sturdy lightweight waxed Canvas Weekend Bag comes in two colors, white and olive, and is ideal for road trips or as a carry on; $225 from Matt Singer. Monocle offers another great contender: The Porter Short Hauler Bag with zipped compartments and a removable laptop pouch; £275 from Monocle.

Above: Water from a plastic bottle just never tastes very good. The S'well Bottle is an insulated flask made from non-toxic, non-leaching, and BPA free double-walled stainless steel that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Fill it up post-airport screening; $35 from S'well.

Above: The secret to packing (for me, at least) is dividing clothing into manageable piles. The F1 Go Clean Set Blue is comprised of four zippered nylon bags in different sizes for laundry, shoes, and more; $52 from Flight 001.

Above: These versatile Japanese Tenugi cotton cloths are always in my bag. I use them as the Japanese do—as hand towels, napkins, improvised storage bags (tied with a knot), and even as scarves; $13 each from Tortoise General Store.

Above: Even though I always tote a laptop, I also like to carry a pen and notebook (I devote one to each major city and keep adding updates). My current favorite is the Leuchtturm Pocket Notebook with squared paper—great for note taking and sketching en route. It has a pocket at the back that's perfect for storing receipts and business cards; $17.11 from Amazon.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-travelerFri, 13 Dec 2013 04:00:00 -0800Sarah LonsdaleHere at Remodelista, we work remotely from diverse spaces and places, most of which don't include a typical office. Instead of clocking in, we now plug in, and within seconds we're online and our workday begins. I myself prefer to work in my light-filled living room (the most inspiring room in our house). My husband, meanwhile, works from our converted attic with a tree-top view that keeps him inspired. No matter where you get your job done, here are a holiday gift ideas for your colleagues, and perhaps for yourself.

N.B.: To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: Julie and Sarah recently spotted these sculptural Hand-Turned Desk Accessories made in North Carolina from black walnut; $35 each at Nickey Kehoe.

Above: A subtle hint to a messy desk mate? Consider the German-made Laptop Brush; $28 from Brook Farm General Store.

Above: New York's Fort Standard takes magnets to another level. Their Standard Magnets are made from different types of hardwoods. A set of six is $58 from Fort Standard.

Above: Do you always seem to lose your pens, scissors, and tools? Winter Session's Roll-Up has got you covered (and organized). The case is made in Denver from waxed canvas (available in several colors) and has a leather closure tap; $65 from Winter Session.

Above: Keep track of your thoughts with the Five Year Diary, a page-a-day journal with sections to record your travels and books read. It's at Canoe; $24.95.

Above: If you really like your office mate, consider the Laptop Leather Folio by Field Theories. Handmade from a single piece of latigo leather using "the same architecture as an envelope," explains the designer, the 13 inch long case is sized for toting an iPad and papers or a 13-inch Mac Book Pro (custom sizes also available); $145 via Field Theories' Etsy shop.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-office-mateFri, 06 Dec 2013 12:00:00 -0800Izabella SimmonsA guaranteed hit this holiday season: simple, well-made finds for the new arrival and his or her design-minded parents.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: The French believe in dressing well starting at birth. From Paris-born, San Francisco-based Le Roi Booboo, the Grey Collar Shirt and Navy Shirt are both available in sizes from 3-6 months to 18-24 months; $52 each.

Above: We're happy to report that wood is an option again for children's basics. Above L: The Child's Nail Brush embossed with animal line drawings; $12 at Brook Farm General Store. Above R: The Child's Hair Brush, made in Germany of waxed beechwood; $24 at Brook Farm General Store.

Above: Miniature version of the pants we'd all love to live in, Organic Layette Leggings, shown in light gray and charcoal, are available in sizes from 6 months to 6 years; $24 each from Oeuf.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-new-parent-baby-giftsWed, 04 Dec 2013 08:00:00 -0800Meredith SwinehartAfter watching my children play with my mother's saved wooden barnyard animals and my childhood friend's old Steiff collection, I've decided to seek out toys made to last—and to potentially become tomorrow's heirlooms. Towards that end, for this year's kids' gift guide, we're zeroing in on lovingly created designs from small workshops near and far.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: Found via our friend Deborah Beau at Kickcan and Conkers, AlphaBits by Milan-based Looodus are an artful reinvention of the classic refrigerator alphabet. The set includes 66 magnetized, laser cut letters (two full alphabets, plus 13 extra common letters), so your child can practice letter recognition and spelling; $113.

Above: For budding architects, Manzanita Kids of Seattle makes a series of modular dollhouses, buildilngs, and towns in high-grade birch ply. Shown here, its Castle Building Blocks, $75, that allow children to build, destroy, and redesign to their hearts content.

Above: Playful and pretty, these individual Fox Masks made from Liberty cotton are hand stitched in Paris by Etsy seller Lucille Michieli; $52.87.

Above: Help your children learn their place in the world. Both decoration and teaching tool, this Corkboard Map from Anthropologie is the perfect place to pin travel souvenirs; $48.

Above: From Limiceramics of Torres de la Alameda, Spain, the ceramic Trio design is a three-part storage container that can also be used individually as bowls and cups. Part of a series featuring the work of five different illustrators, it's available for $62.82 from Limiceramics' Etsy shop.

Above: Big swing sets with all the bells and whistles may be irresistible, but all you really need is a disc on a rope, such as The Original Tree Swing from Oeuf, $55. My own children spend hours on theirs; they love it because it not only goes back and forth, but round and round.

Above: I had the hardest time choosing which of the witty stuffed animals by Poosac to single out. Handmade in Edinburgh, Scotland, and available via Poosac's Etsy shop for $41-$66, they all have such personality. Shown here, the Plush Dinosaur made of poly-filled linen and felt, $53.89.

Above: A modern see saw inspired by the iconic Creative Playthings Hobby Horse, Ply Play's Big Tilt is handmade in St. Louis, MO, of sustainable bent birch plywood and holds four; $800. The Mini Tilt for two is $400.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-childrenTue, 03 Dec 2013 04:00:00 -0800Justine HandI live in San Francisco, startup capital of the world, and I have a lot of techie friends. If you'll allow me to generalize, one thing I've noticed: Most techies won't go out of their way to find stylish goods—they're a utilitarian bunch and when handed a company sweatshirt, they'll wear it thin—but when the opportunity presents itself, techies really appreciate good design.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: Replace the startup-branded backpack with a duck canvas Bread Bag made by Stanley & Sons. Stitched on an old-fashioned single-needle sewing machine and measuring 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide, the bag is $167 from Hickoree's Hard Goods.

Above: For the techie with a traditional streak: the Harris Tweed Laptop Sleeve; $125 from Seattle-based Filson. The padded interior is lined with moleskin and Scotland-made tweed wool.

Above: For the person who hates to be parted from his or her phone: the Splash-Proof Speaker for Smartphone allows for not only music in the shower, but typing emails and browsing the internet, too; $69.50 from Muji.

Above: Made of American hardwood and designed to deliver for bass-heavy music, games, and movies, Vers 7E Extended Bass Earphones have play/pause controls and an integrated microphone. Shown here in walnut; $79.99 from Vers.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-techieMon, 02 Dec 2013 02:00:00 -0800Meredith SwinehartFoodies tend to be a tad fanatical—a sweeping generalization, I realize, but having had to find gifts for several such friends, one that I can attest to. Here's a roundup of gifts that will please the most discerning of palates.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: What do you get the domestic goddess who has everything? When Julie made a guest appearance on the Martha Stewart Show a couple of years ago, she brought Martha a selection of spices and herbs from March Pantry in San Francisco. Happily, the wares are now available online. Our favorite: Shichimi Togarashi, made from mustard seed, orange peel, sichuan pepper, lemon myrtle, and dry chili; $25.

Above: Bitters are one of those versatile ingredients that are great to have on hand—whip up a cocktail with them or add a dash of flavor to soups, stews, curries, and marinades. Our favorites are made by Canadian company Bittered Sling whose flavors include Orange & Juniper, Grapefruit & Hops, Lem-Marrakech, and Plum & Rootbeer. They offer =4-ounce bottles for $29.95 each, as well as a gift pack of six signature extracts in 25 ml bottles for $59.95, from The Meadow. For other dealers across the country as well as drinks recipes, visit Bittered Sling.

Above: Food guru Heidi Swanson's latest find for her online shop Quitokeeto: San Francisco patisserie Craftsman & Wolves' Confiture Café au Lait (L), a coffee-infused dulce de leche, and Passion Fruit-Olive Oil Curd (R), which she describes as "passion fruit with notes of tropical flowers and a bold, addictive tang." For dolloping on ice cream, toast, or yogurt, or baking into tarts, they're $25 for the set of two 7.5 ounce jars.

Above: Grove 45 is a Napa Valley estate-produced extra virgin olive oil. Harvested and pressed on the same day, the smooth, peppery blend of Tuscan oils with a dash of Sicilian is packaged in a design-worthy re-useable aluminum bottle with pewter label; $43 from Ultra Lavish. See my Gardenista companion post about Grove 45 and How to Choose a Good Olive Oil.

Above: Learn from the leader. Rene Redzipi's Danish restaurant Noma has two Michelin stars and was named best restaurant in the world for three years in a row by British magazine Restaurant. His latest publication, René Redzepi: A Work in Progress, is a well-designed bundle of three books: a cookbook, a personal journal by Redzepi, and a pocket book of images; $46.29 from Amazon.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-foodie-house-gifts-hostess-presentsThu, 28 Nov 2013 06:00:00 -0800Sarah LonsdaleLet's be honest. What might the hair stylist, house cleaner, and babysitter want for Christmas? Cash. Everyone loves a holiday bonus, especially during the season of spending. A fistful of dollars does say thank you, but it doesn't say it very sweetly. For those folks who go the extra mile for you all year long, here are some thoughtful addendums for showing your gratitude.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're posting a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above: Beeswax Candle Tapers are the sort of thing that people love to have, but are often too thrifty to buy for themselves. These are made in the U.S.; $10 for a pair at Brook Farm General Store.

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http://www.remodelista.com/posts/beyond-the-holiday-tip-gifts-for-the-hair-stylist-house-cleaner-babysitterWed, 27 Nov 2013 12:00:00 -0800Meredith SwinehartAs the mother of two teenagers, I've spent many years trying to pinpoint the perfect teacher presents. As our own Christine once aptly noted: "You want to show genuine appreciation, but go one step too far and you quickly find yourself in the land of the "apple polishers." My strategy is to select small but well designed—and truly useful—gifts of thanks. Add a homemade card and note from your child (or teen), and you've got an A+ present.

To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, we're running a new gift guide every weekday from now until Christmas. See all of the Gift Guides to date in our archive.

Above L: A porcelain apple, hand-painted and finished with a carved stem, by Penkridge Ceramics, a small studio near Birmingham, England. To view other pieces by the workshop and to inquire about prices and place orders, contact Sweet Bella USA. Above R: The Top Hat Dux Large Pencil Sharpener, an Art Deco classic made in Bavaria from a solid block of aluminum; $50 from Madewell.

Above: The L'Atelier d'Exercises Ring Calendar is a universal date-marking system: turn the wheel to arrive at the correct day, date, and month. A fascinating teaching aid as well as decoration for classroom walls, it's at Saks Fifth Avenue; $78.

Above L: For the grammarian, Shady Characters by Keith Houston, a book (and companion blog) that chronicle the astonishingly lively history of the ampersand, the dash, and other punctuation marks; $16.41 from Amazon. Above R: The Decimal Equivalents Canvas Bag, $24 from the Museum of Useful Objects, is sized for books (shoulder strap included) and decorated with a vintage tool catalog chart.

Above: For the DIY educator: The Anselm Bookbinding Kit from Peg and Awl contains the fixings, plus illustrated instructions, for making a palm-sized 40-page journal; $28. Go to Peg and Awl to watch an inspiring—and very pretty—step-by-step video set to banjo music.